Fire department investigating cause of Friday fire

Jefferson City Fire Department truck
Jefferson City Fire Department truck

Jefferson City fire officials said the cause of a Friday evening fire on Center Street was "undetermined," shortly after the fire was put out - and their search for a cause was continuing over the weekend.

However, they cautioned in a news release, "Never use cooking appliances to heat living spaces."

The fire department was called to the 200 block of Center Street at 7:25 p.m. Friday, for a fire in the kitchen of an upstairs apartment.

The first units arriving at the fire reported smoke showing from the second floor of the multi-unit apartment building and, the news release reported, firefighters quickly made access to the second floor to extinguish the fire.

Other firefighters searched the entire building, confirming all occupants had made it out of the building.

No injuries were reported.

Fire companies remained on the scene conducting overhaul operations to ensure the fire was extinguished.

The fire damage was contained to the room where it started, but there was smoke and water damage throughout the apartment.

In all, 18 fire department personnel, including two chief officers, from two engine companies, one ladder truck, and a squad truck responded to the call, along with Jefferson City police officers and Cole County's EMS service responded to the call.

The displaced five adults and two children are receiving assistance from the Red Cross.